It's no secret that Sacramento Kings star De'Aaron Fox is the hottest name on the trade market after becoming available. Not only that, but the San Antonio Spurs are seen as a frontrunner to acquire him, but that could prove costly to a team that is still rebuilding but hoping to also make the playoffs this season.
They may have to part with several first-round picks and potentially two of their core prospects, including Devin Vassell and potentially even Stephon Castle. Castle's role with the Spurs has fluctuated during his rookie season, but he has been impressive as a starter, averaging 14.9 points and 4 assists per game.
That might not look all that impressive to non-Spurs fans, but he is essentially doing that as a fourth option as a rookie, suggesting that he has a higher ceiling than some of the Spurs' recent lottery picks, especially if he were to develop a consistent three-point shot.
Stephon Castle may stand in the way of a De'Aaron Fox deal
Sacramento's rumored interest in Castle makes sense with them needing a long-term replacement for Fox.
Castle would still need a couple of seasons to reach his full potential, and he may not make sense for the Kings, who are positioned to try and win now. That probably won't stop them from demanding him in a trade, but San Antonio shouldn't give up Castle under any circumstances. Even if the Fox trade hinges on his involvement.
The Kings will have other options as far as trade partners. Nevertheless, it seems clear the Fox wants to play in San Antonio, and he could steer his way there by having his agent tell GMs that he won't re-sign with interested teams if they were to trade for him.
That gives San Antonio a major advantage, and they should hopefully be able to keep Castle out of a potential Fox deal. Instead, they could offer a package centered around Vassell and three firsts. The Spurs could add Keldon Johnson to the deal with the Kings, also adding Kevin Huerter.
Or, the Spurs could try for a smaller deal with Vassell, Tre Jones, and three firsts. That would clear out more consistent playing time for Castle. San Antonio could then use a 3-man guard rotation of Fox, Chris Paul, and Castle with Castle being a sixth man while Harrison Barnes, Jeremy Sochan, and Victor Wembanyama fill out the starting lineup.
No matter the rotation, the Spurs shouldn't include Castle in a potential Fox deal given his upside. If necessary, they can include another pick, but if the Kings demand Castle, the Spurs shouldn't hesitate to walk away.